Hesperia votes to recover emergency response fees

HESPERIA • The city council approved a resolution 4-0 Tuesday night that will allow the city to recover emergency service costs from people whose actions are deemed negligent.

Hesperia would be able to recoup emergency costs in situations resulting from the negligent operation of a motor vehicle — including driving under the influence — filing a false police report or entering areas closed to the public.

Under the new ordinance, the city could recover up to $12,000 in related emergency costs per person per incident, according to Councilman Eric Schmidt.

"It's about time, this was way past due," Schmidt said after the meeting. "Someone needs to pay up for the irresponsible actions, which waste city resources and jeopardizes the safety of our entire community."

Schmidt suggested that staff look into the recovery cost when Hesperia first-responders aid the California Highway Patrol along Interstate 15.

Councilman Mike Leonard abstained from the vote because he was not present for the original meeting that detailed the report.

The report states that California law allows cities to recover costs from emergency responses "involving individuals operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

Cost recovery is also allowed by state law when individuals are convicted of filing a false police report, entering a closed public area, or even being stranded on closed roadways due to flooding.

The report stated that California Code allows cost recovery to include field investigation, transporting victims and time spent preparing reports.

Rene De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com.

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